Happy Birthday Libra

If you’re a Libra, like Glam meets Gal fashion blogger Julia Engel then get ready for your dreams to finally come true this year! You have planted a lot of seeds over the past year, but now is the time for big opportunities come to fruition. Dress in classics that nod to trends, but most important, make you feel comfortable in your own skin. You’ll be able to shop because your finances are very strong, and your business acumen is spot on. Stay clear about your own vision, even if others don’t quite understand it. Travel is very auspicious and a brand new chapter could start for you in February so embrace change. Your relationships are also a big theme this year. August is the date for new love, or an exciting next step, to materialize. Here’s what we see in your style forecast…

Scorpio

Life is getting good- REALLY good! Jupiter, the planet of luck, moves into your sign on October 10th. This rare aspect hasn’t happened since 2006! You will be the zodiac’s shining star this year. Wear earrings that match your power. There is nothing you love more than being in the driver’s seat so set some private intentions, and go for it.

Sagittarius

October 2107 is a playful and social month for you Sag, let down your guard in something bold! You may get a unexpected jolt of romance near the full moon on the 5th which falls in your zone of true love and fun.

Capricorn

Shine On Cap. This October you’re on a tear at work. Feel free to mix business with pleasure in embellished sling-backs. Just be sure to have a seltzer after every cocktail while you make the rounds, especially after the 14th.

Aquarius

You’ve had deal with a lot of other peoples drama recently, but now you can refocus on your own priorities. A getaway is just what you need to clear your head. Pack something breezy and eye-catching, like stripes! You will dazzle work VIPs after you’re back and lucky Jupiter arrives in your career zone on the 10th.

Pisces

This October could be quite intense, but you will come out on the other side MUCH stronger and more resolved. Pamper yourself with some spa days and put ME TIME first on the 9th so you can get clear about what you really want! In the meantime, wear bold colors and trust your gut.

Aries

This October is one of your most romantic months. Get out, socialize, and wear something flirty. If you’re not feeling the flames near the full moon in your sign on the 5th, expect the start of something special on the 19th. Keep a smile on your face—you never know what will happen!

Taurus

It may be unseasonably warm this October but it’s time for you to get cozy Taurus. Treat yourself to some extra YOU time and get up jumpstart on making your winter wardrobe super snuggly. You’ll thank yourself when the chill arrives. And if you didn’t get around to spring cleaning this year— do a fall cleaning on the 1st, then shop.

Gemini

You are the belle of the ball this month! Let your inner child out to play with fun accessories. If you have been preoccupied with life at home, now is the time to get out and have some good old fashioned fun. The full moon on the 5th is especially magical.

Cancer

Some big changes may be in store for your domestic life this month, including ugrading your basics needs. Like with a pair of silver jeans! When you’re dressed right, you make everyone else feel welcome, so consider hosting a fun get-together the weekend of September 29th. Wear your party pants.

Leo

You are a veritable social butterfly this month! But with lucky Jupiter also moving into your Domestic Goddess zone on October 10th, you are also happy as a clam with your home life. Nobody balances it all better than you do! Just make sure you prioritize yourself and don’t get burned out. Treat yourself to something fun—like a bold floral ring to show off at all your gatherings.

Virgo

It’ll be a busy October and the fast pace continues. Staying focused and cutting out the distractions will help you achieve the results you want. Invest in a power bag. It may actually be the time to go all out for Gucci. Leave room for fun! New people add spice to your life on the 13th.

What happens when the quintessential California beach girl becomes a jewelry designer? The answer: Wonderful things. Each piece of Sheryl Lowe’s stunning line of mystical-meets-edgy jewelry feels more like a spiritual talisman than an accessory. Lowe draws inspiration from growing up with Malibu and listening to bands like Fleetwood Mac and Steely Dan while watching California sunsets. She started the line in 2006 when she wanted to make personal gifts for family members. Now, over a decade later she’s ready to expand into men’s and lifestyle pieces. Lowe stopped by our office at Spring Place to discuss her process, her favorite pieces and the art of layering. And you can win a pair of her diamond earrings, simply add the hint to your list for a chance to win!

From clockwise: The Santa Barbara coastline; Signature pave bracelets, rings and buddha necklace; Sheryl with her husband Rob Lowe and sons John and Matthew; Sheryl at home; Looks from the fall 2017 line featuring Topaz, Apatite, and Chrysocolla stones.

On her devoted and growing fan base…My clients are collectors who look for timeless pieces that they can wear from day to night. She’s the kind of woman who effortlessly transitions from daytime activities to nighttime events. She’s a traveler and culturally aware. I love to empower women to choose pieces that bring out their adventurous side and give them permission to explore a little beyond their comfort zones.

On finding inspiration… Endless inspiration from the environment around and my youth. In the beaches of Southern California, 70’s nightlife, and the power that exists in stones found in natural habitats all around me. My favorite beach is El Matador in Malibu, with the caves and raw rock arches, it’s a dream to behold at sunset. My sun pendant I designed for the spring summer line for 2018 is a literal reflection of my memories of the sunrises and sunsets of the Malibu beaches in my youth.

I am always lifted up by artists like Steely Dan, America, Fleetwood Mac and Joni Mitchell. These rock legends inspire me to mix chains and stone and create pieces with spirituality like my long silver fringe necklace with stone pendants.

On statement pieces as signature pieces… My personal approach to collecting jewelry is that I want to add layers for texture and interest that feel timeless and empowering. The collection is stylish without being fussy, high-fashion without being a slave to a trend. The woman who wears my pieces is spiritual and enlightened. It’s not just about one piece, it’s about creating statement of layers to be collected over time. Old and new, for individuality.

On picking favorites from her collection… My carved Labordorite Buddha and Ohm necklace that can be worn everyday with stacking bracelets mixed with pave bangles. I derive pure energy from the stones I wear and incorporate into the collection.

Hint It to Win It!

Do you know how much your dog needs to eat every day? We can guess, but it’s an inexact science. That’s why we are so happy to have found Ollie, a health-conscious dog food service that creates customized portions based on your dog’s breed, activity level, size, and age. We asked Cristina Tudino, Director of Content, to share her tips on how to make your dog feel as good as they look.

Q: I signed up my dog Asta, an 11-pound “Bowl of Noodles” (aka poodle mix) for Ollie’s food service and was amazed to learn she only needs 319 calories a day! Can you talk about how you guys figured out the healthy equation for eating? It seems so mysterious and yet so important?

A: The amount of food you’re supposed to feed your dog is totally mystifying to most pet parents! I used to give my chocolate lab Gus a generic scoop and had no idea how much I should really be feeding him. But portion control is super important to your dog’s health. Getting the amount right will help with weight management (pet obesity is a huge problem!) and with preventing issues like diabetes down the road. Ollie developed a proprietary algorithm that allows us to take your dog’s breed, age, weight, body composition and activity level into account to calculate the exact number of calories they should be eating.

Q: You guys are all about healthy, happy dogs. What’s the ratio of playing-sleeping-walking that is optimal for dogs?

A: Every dog really is different in terms of how much playing/sleeping/walking they need, you should take their age, breed and any health conditions into account. For example, you can have a 3-year old Vizsla who loves to run and needs at least 60 minutes of rigorous exercise a day or a 9-year-old Bulldog with hip dysplasia who goes on 3 short walks a day. Regardless, every dog needs daily exercise!

Q: Somewhere I heard a pet only needs 15 minutes of snuggling a day. This seemed incredibly short to me. How much do they really need?

A: As someone who is a big fan of snuggling, that feels short to me too! But I recently worked on a story for our blog about how not all dogs necessarily like physical affection – specifically, hugging can actually cause dogs stress and anxiety. So you really have to ‘feel them out’ – if they’re averting their eyes, licking their lips or yawning, those are all signs that they do not want PDA! But if your dog does love affection, I don’t think there should be any limit to it. Q: What are your favorite dog celebrities and their IG handles?

Q: What do you think are the best lessons people can learn from our four-legged friends?

A: You never know what edible treasures you can discover on the sidewalk ha! In all seriousness, dogs teach us what unconditional love really looks like. And to always wake up with unbridled enthusiasm for the day, no matter what happened yesterday!

Found! The products that will finally transform your skin. We had the opportunity to test the breakthrough line from Exuviance, created by the scientists who were the fathers of alpha hydroxy research back in 1975. These guys took their years of expertise and poured it into a skincare line that is the equivalent of having dermatologist make house calls. Each product is professional quality and it’s priced really well. We are completely obsessed.

In the week we’ve been using the line our skin is glowing, healthy, brighter and we haven’t even thought about wearing concealer. Yes, we’re gushing, but when we discover products this heroic we feel like we providing a beauty PSA. Still skeptical? Read our testimonials below. Then enter to win three revolutionary products: Performance Peel AP25, Age Reverse Total Correct + Sculpt Serum, and the Overnight Recovery Masque (a $228 value).

Hintd Team Testimonials

Performance Peel AP25

Lucy:When you wipe your face with the Exuviance Performance Peel activator pad you feel you are removing the top layer of grime, dead cells and allowing the younger new skin underneath to surface. It was like a facial treatment without going to the skin spa.

Francesca: I’m hard on my skin all summer and come September, I have to seriously repent for my sunbathing sins by making an appointment for a professional peel. Then, I learned about getting to road test Exuviance’s Peel. As soon I tried it I immediately canceled my dermatologist appointment (sorry!). The results were instant and on par with any in-office treatment. My skin looked lifted, brighter and tighter. You can use it up to two times a week and I find myself counting the days to get to use it again. This is pure-grade skin bliss.

Claire:I’ve never used a peel before and was immediately struck by how different the experience was from a mask or a scrub. After ten minutes, my skin looked noticeably less dull and had an unmistakable glow. It was like my skin was producing its own highlighter and foundation! It didn’t irritate me at all, but I could tell it was working right away. The pads were so simple to use, and the results were immediate, I am totally sold!

Bionic Oxygen Facial

Sophie:As someone who is getting married in 7 days (omg!), I couldn’t be happier that I learned about Exuviance when I did. Not wanting to try anything that might offset the goal of a perfect wedding day glow I opted to try some of their milder treatments. I can say with confidence that results with both are immediate, and the “glow factor” of my skin is exponentially increased.

My favorite result so far has been using the Bionic Oxygen Facial with the Overnight Recovery Masque. The Bionic Facial is definitely a fun mask. As you’re massaging it in, you can hear it start to crackle, then within a minute, it develops into a fluffy foam. The first few times I used it, I set a time for five minutes, but it actually has a built-in timer because the bubbles begin to disappear after five minutes. My skin looks brighter and smoother. After this treatment, I apply the Overnight Recovery Masque and hop right into bed. When I wake up the following morning, my skin is glowing and dewy. I’m not kidding when I say I’ve literally stopped using any makeup on my face— even concealer!

Overnight Recovery Masque

Lucy: Just to second Sophie, I do a lot of masks with my daughter because it’s fun. But the Overnight Recovery Masque is in its own league. I woke up feeling rested and like my skin had had a week off from stress.

The Age Reverse Total Correct + Sculpt Serum

Lucy: This made my skin feel like I hadn’t just spent too much time at the beach and it helped my skin get back to smoother, in just three applications.

Francesca:I don’t love serums because they can make my skin feel sticky, not smooth, but that’s not the case with Exuviance’s serum. It just feels smarter than other serums I’ve tried, almost like it’s psychic in that it knows the driest parts of my face (forehead and nose) and quickly hydrates them first. I also wasn’t clear why they included “Sculpt” in the name, but after using it morning and night I’ve noticed that it has a highlighting quality. After I use it my skin has a fresh, natural shine and makes my cheekbones look higher.

Triple Microdermabrasion Face Polish

Lucy:I loved the triple Microdermabrasion face polish after a day of running around since it gives you the feeling of clean without the residue of soap. I can’t tell you how much my skin improved in just a week using these products – like a vacation for my face!

Francesca:This is the kind of product that you want to use everyday—even though you are only supposed to use it twice a week. You will need to be disciplined because it’s very cathartic to feel the papaya enzyme and glycolic acid working to dissolve clogged pores and blackheads, especially around my nose. I can say that after using it twice, my pores look smaller and cleaner and I can’t wait for Saturday when I can use it again!

HINT IT TO WIN IT

Add this hint to your list for a chance to win three Exuviance breakthrough products, valued at $228!

As part three of our Insider’s series we interviewed Jasmine Snow, a former Seventeen accessories editor, now freelance social media stylist who creates Insta-shopping worthy campaigns for brands such as InStyle, Banana Republic, and Coach. Yep, that’s a job, and Snow is especially good at it. The self-described ‘jeans girl’ stopped by Spring Place for a cup of hibiscus-rose tea to share her favorite denim pieces for fall, and how she juggles styling shoots during NYFW while working on her highly anticipated style video series, The Black Bib, launching this fall.

On denim as her closet’s BFF… I’m a jeans and tee girl. I always have something denim on. Basically, my look is cool denim and a fancy top. These are the pieces I can’t stop thinking about.

From clockwise:

Oversized Jacket: AYR has some of my favorite denim pieces. They have a real talent for making fashion-forward pieces that still feel wearable from season to season, like a favorite closet basic. I love the oversized jackets, especially to throw on with a great pair of leggings and a fashion-y sneaker. Now, working out is all about “a look” with the athleisure trend and this jacket takes my normal workout wear and makes it a little cooler. AYR jacket, $265

Denim mini: I’m really feeling a destroyed denim with a fancy top these days. I’ve literally been wearing a version of that look on repeat for the last month. The mix of casual and glam is one of my favorites. GRLFND denim skirt, $228

Cropped jeans: I’ve had my eye on these jeans for a while and usually when I can’t stop thinking about a piece and styling it in my head I know it’s a must and I have to snag it before it’s sold out. DL1961 Hepburn, $198

Chambray shirt: A denim button down is always a staple in my closet. I use it as a neutral and love mixing it with joggers and a blazer when I’m on set. That way I’m comfortable but still pulled together and professional. J.Crew chambray shirt, $56

High-rise Jeans: After I had my baby I was anxious to get into a pair of jeans that made me feel my best even though I hadn’t lost the baby weight. This pair of J Brand jeans ended up becoming my best friend and I’ve gone back to buy them in smaller sizes after losing the weight. Now a year later I have them in four different washes. They are my go to sexy jeans. J Brand, Alana jean, $198

On dressing for shows…When I was an editor and I planned outfits, I’d wake up that day and think that’s not what I actually want to wear. The outfits that I like most are the ones that took me five minutes to put together. This year, I’m wearing Tabitha Simmons flats. They are chic, suede with ribbons and very comfortable. I also wear fun sneakers like Van’s or Superga’s. And of course, I’ll always have something denim. I’m currently obsessed with full-on trendy Mom jeans, there’s a pair from Mother that I can dress up or down. I’m also into special pieces. I was in Paris and in Gucci and I thought, okay I’ll just look but it was too expensive. Then, I walked out and there was Manoush and I was like, yes, I can wear this.

On accessorizing…As a former accessories editor for Seventeen you’d think I have tons of accessories but I keep things pretty simple. Right now I’m wearing three gold chokers, together and on their own.

On dressing for freaky weather… You so badly want to wear fall things and it’s impossible. You can walk into a show and it can be freezing or 95 degrees. I always bring a jacket that I can wrap around my waist. I just got a coat by Sacai but it’s too early to wear. There were two I was trying decide between. One was amazing but too overpowering, it was wearing me. I could have worn my pajamas under it and no one would have been able to tell. The one I got (below)… well my husband will make fun of me but I love it and can’t wait for it to be cold enough.

On parties…I’ll go out at night. There’s an Everlane denim event I’m looking forward to. And I want to check out the Beekman Hotel. I think it’s a great place to go in the fall. My husband is part owner of the Tao group of restaurants so if I’m meeting a friend I’ll drop into one of his places, like Tao or Vandal.

On eating right… I’ll grab a Starbucks pack. I like to tell myself I’m going to eat this apple but it just ends up in my bag for like three weeks.

On what she won’t leave home without… Chargers! I always have two because one is always dead so I have to hope the other one works. And my laptop. I got my Clare V. tote because I needed a chic carry all to schlep my laptop. To carry it all is heavy but it’s so helpful to have because in between shows I can actually get work done.

On being a chic mama… I have this old small Givenchy cross body and one day I was like I’m not going to carry a diaper bag so I stuffed it with everything we needed and went to one of her classes and I looked at the bag and it was bursting at the seams with a bottle, and wipes and toys and I was like, okay my life has changed.

On what she’s looking forward to wearing this fall…I’m really drawn to camel and army green. It’s pretty much all I want to style with. I use it with grounding pieces like denim, which is really my neutral. I have an old Chanel nail polish that’s army green and I’m like I’m going to bring it out and wear it.

Then I’m really into special pieces. I don’t know if it’s because I’m getting older or that it’s everything is more embellished, and louder but I’m really into pieces that feel super special. Like Isabel Marant shoes that are not practical with silver glitter. But I know I’ll wear them all the time. I’m such a jeans and tee girl that I gravitate towards accessories.

On investment pieces…Stuart Weitzman has always been killing it. I know everyone says their shoes are comfortable. But his really are. I was told that he’s patented his heel, and whatever he has done to build it is amazing because all his heels are really comfortable. I believe he builds the same heel for every shoe so if you have one pair that is comfortable the next is going to fit you the same way. His over the knee boots! I wore the flat ones when I was pregnant over jeans and a sweater and they are so warm and comfortable it’s like wearing another pair of pants. I know they are expensive but if you can make it happen they are so worth it.

On fast-fashion…H&M online is great. I can’t shop the store. I walk in there and I can’t find anything. But I do very well online. Also lulus.com, I pull from them for my shoots all the time for on trend pieces that are affordable. And for on trend accessories, no one is doing it better than Bauble Bar. For shoes: Jessica Simpson and Sam Edelman are really great sources.

On creating her web series… For years I’ve wanted to put together some kind of video style blog with an outfit of the day, but it’s hard to show a grown woman getting dressed on video. But with a baby, it’s really easy and really cute! So every morning I make a quick video of her getting dressed, its’ raw and choppy and fun. The Black Bib will be Gif and boomerang heavy. Basically its ‘shop the life’ for mom and baby.

Hold on to your Instagram. Fashion Week has kicked off in NYC and if you haven’t already noticed, your social feeds are about to be a constant stream of runway models, shoemerangs (dance, Dior booties, dance) and artfully curated street style. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to try to juggle the shows, parties, and what to wear when it’s hot and humid in gridlocked NYC, we’re doing a series of insider interviews with stylists who are making the scene and make it look easy.

Carmen Lilly, celebrity stylist and founder of Closet Therapy, a styling service that takes a holistic approach to dressing. As Fashion Week kicked off, she stopped by our offices at Spring Place to share her even more chill approach to the busiest week in NYC.

On what she’s most looking forward to… I’m doing a number of fun events this week: I’m judging the Supima Fashion show. It’s amazing! They give designs students rings of plain cotton and you will not believe what they are able to make. Their level of technical expertise and detail is unbelievable. There are a number of judges involved, like Fern Mallis. I’ve voted for the winner the last two years in a row and they are incredibly talented. They win a cash prize and get to show their designs in Paris. Sometimes American fashion is looked down on and this goes to show we have talent.

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 10: A model walks the runway at the Supima Design Competition fashion show during Spring 2016 New York Fashion Week: The Shows at The Gallery, Skylight at Clarkson Sq on September 10, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for Supima Cotton)

Last year, Jeffery Taylor from Savannah College of Art and Design won (left). He made these incredible dresses with laser cut flowers. In 2015 it was Kate McKenna (right). I wore her indigo dress to a Rihanna party. I’m also on a panel hosted by Google on Black Women in Fashion and I am attending Harlem Fashion Row, it’s the 10-year anniversary and they do a lot to help young black designers who are typically underfunded.

On planning what to wear… Fashion week is also my daughter’s first week of school so I’m overdressed for the first couple of days at drop-off. But I’m also pretty chill. Since transitioning into Closet Therapy, I used the same philosophy I use on my clients on my own closet. When I was putting outfits together for Fashion Week, I realized I was drawn to ivory, black, cranberry, rust and mustard. So I’ve made that a color story. I use black as a base then pop it with accessories or a coat. Like Stella McCartney’s Prince of Whales blazer or a Celine cross body in cranberry.

On freaky hot weather… There’s always that day in Fashion Week when it’s 90 degrees and you’re sweating while trying to look cute in fall clothes. You definitely have to wear layers because you never know, I’ll carry a light pashmina.

On wearing comfortable shoes… I bring along a couple of pairs of shoes, my assistants keep them for me. But gone are the days of the 4-inch heel. I’ll wear sneakers. I have a friend who is a Norwegian designer, Yvonne Kone, and I’ll wear her sneakers (shown below) because they are cute and fashion forward. I’ll also wear slides. There are so many different types, but I love one in velvet. Also low boots with an ethnic print. I just got a pair of Dior boots that I’ll wear with dresses or jeans and I like them because they have mesh and embroidery and are good for when it’s still warm.

On going to parties… I’m sure there are things I’ll go to last minute. The Wang party or Rihanna’s party. I really wait to decide and my husband is always saying, “This is your Superbowl!” but I’m still home by midnight.